Solar protection or wind protection device

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to solar/wind protection devices. In one example embodiment, a protection device includes a plurality of longitudinal rods including longitudinally coupled longitudinal sub-rods, a plurality of transverse rods including longitudinally coupled transverse sub-rods, and at least one covering unit stretched between the longitudinal rods. The transverse rods at least partially connect the plurality of longitudinal rods to one another, and at least one transverse rod includes at least one tension adjusting device for adjusting the tension of the at least one covering unit in the transverse direction. The at least one tension adjusting device is arranged between two transverse sub-rods of the plurality of transverse rods.

The invention relates to a solar protection or wind protection devicehaving a plurality of longitudinal rods, which have longitudinallycoupled longitudinal sub-rods, having a plurality of transverse rods,which have longitudinally coupled transverse sub-rods, having at leastone covering unit, which is stretched between the longitudinal rods,wherein the transverse rods at least partially connect the longitudinalrods to one another, and wherein at least one transverse rod has atleast one tension adjusting device for adjusting the tension of thecovering unit in the transverse direction.

Such solar protection or windbreak devices usually use fabrics such assails or cloths as the covering unit, which are stretched by the rods.In order for the device to provide shade and wind protection asintended, the covering unit must be tensioned between the longitudinalrods to a certain extent. To achieve this, the longitudinal rods areoften threaded into tabs or similar connecting loops of the coveringunit and the longitudinal rods are then spread with the transverse rodsaccordingly to achieve the desired tensioning effect. The longitudinalrods thus preferably support the covering unit, while the transverserods define the positions of the longitudinal rods relative to eachother. It can of course also be provided that the transverse rods areconnected to the covering unit.

The longitudinal rods and the transverse rods have coupled, i.e.longitudinally coupled, sub-rods at their ends. These sub-rods can beconnected, for example, by means of connecting bushings into which theyare inserted. This allows easy transport in a non-connected state, inthat the device can be folded up very small. Once the sub-rods arelongitudinally coupled, they can transmit force. For this purpose, thelongitudinal rods and transverse rods are preferably elastic in designin order to form defined shapes in tension. For example, arches or domescan be formed. The connecting bushings usually have centrally arrangedstops in their interiors, which only allow the sub-rods to penetrate theconnecting bushing to a defined depth. This defines an end position ofthe sub-rods to the connecting bushing in an assembled state.

In order to be able to better adjust the degree of tension, especiallywhen different covering units are available for exchange, tensionadjusting devices are known which have tension adjusting devices at theend of the transverse rods. Often, these tension adjusting devices aredesigned as axial screw connections of connecting elements forconnecting to the longitudinal rods and the transverse rods. By turningthe connecting elements, the length of the transverse rods and thus thedistance of the longitudinal rods from one another can thus be increasedor decreased somewhat in order to achieve a higher tension as a resultof the change in length. However, it is disadvantageous that for thispurpose the connecting elements of the transverse rods must be detachedfrom the longitudinal rods in order to carry out the change in length.Furthermore, adjustment is difficult when the device is already mostlyor fully assembled because, as described, the covering unit is generallyconnected to the longitudinal rods and adjustment makes these areasdifficult to access by the user. By being connected to the longitudinalrods, the covering unit obstructs access to the tension adjustingdevice, since the latter is generally not elastic or only slightlyelastic. Furthermore, these tension adjusting devices are usually notelastic or have a different elasticity than the other parts of thetransverse rods. Accordingly, when force is applied to the transverserods, irregular deformation of the transverse rod occurs. This isvisually unappealing.

The object of the invention is thus to avoid the disadvantages mentionedand to provide a solar protection or wind protection device which hasimproved operability.

According to the invention, this object is solved in that the tensionadjusting device is arranged between two transverse sub-rods of thetransverse rod.

This moves the tension adjusting device away from the longitudinal rod,making it more accessible to the user. This facilitates adjustability asthe covering unit can be pushed away from the tension adjusting devicemore easily when it is further away from the longitudinal rod. This goesso far that the adjustment may even be possible with only one hand.

The longitudinal sub-rods and/or also the transverse sub-rods arepreferably connected to each other by means of rubber bands extendinginside the rods. The sub-rods can be detachably connected to each otherby means of connecting bushings, but the individual parts are captivedue to the rubber bands.

It is particularly advantageous if the tension adjusting device isarranged approximately halfway along the length of the transverse rod.This also enables a uniform shape of the transverse rod in the event ofbending.

Furthermore, it may be provided that the tension adjusting devicecomprises a bushing longitudinally coupling two transverse sub-rods toeach other and the bushing comprises at least one thread for connectionto a corresponding thread of a first transverse sub-rod of the twotransverse sub-rods. Preferably, this bushing receives the ends of thefirst and second transverse sub-rods and thus simultaneously acts as aconnecting element of the two transverse sub-rods coupling themlongitudinally thereto. When the bushing is rotated, its thread engagesthe thread of the first transverse sub-rod, which thereby moves furtherinto the interior of the bushing, thereby changing the position of thefirst sub-rod relative to the bushing. The second sub-rod, on the otherhand, preferably abuts a stop of the bushing and is thus in a definedposition relative to the bushing. Screwing the bushing thus leads to anadjustment of the distance between the first and second transversesub-rods, and thus to a change in the length of the transverse rod. Suchan embodiment is particularly advantageous since it can be adjusted fromthe outside only by turning the bushing, which is particularly simpleand easy to handle. Moreover, the mechanism is not visible from theoutside and does not interfere visually and is protected from externalmechanical or chemical stresses. Preferably, therefore, the thread ofthe bushing is arranged inside the bushing while the first transversesub-rod is inserted into the bushing. Alternatively, the thread may bearranged on the outside of the bushing and a transverse sub-rod maycomprise a recess at the end facing the bushing and having acorresponding thread.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the thread of the firsttransverse sub-rod is arranged in the region of the end of the firsttransverse sub-rod facing the bushing, and a second transverse sub-rodhas no thread at the end of the second transverse sub-rod facing thebushing. Preferably, the second transverse sub-rod is flat at its endfacing the bushing.

It is particularly advantageous if the thread of the bushing has a stopagainst which a second transverse sub-rod rests in the assembled state.In this way, a particularly compact and easy-to-manufacture design ofthe bushing is found. The bushing can be designed as a tube, in theinterior of which a constriction is provided in which the thread isarranged. Thus, the constriction acts as a retaining member of thethread and the end wall of the constriction acts as a stop for thesecond transverse sub-rod.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the thread of the bushing isarranged in the area of about one third of the longitudinal extension ofthe bushing. This leaves a particularly large amount of space for thearrangement of the second transverse sub-rod in the bushing, whichensures a particularly stable connection with the latter. This is notnecessary for the first transverse sub-rod, since this is in any case ina sufficiently firm connection with the bushing by means of the thread.This means that the bushing can be made shorter.

If the thread of the first transverse sub-rod has an external diameterd, and the second transverse sub-rod has, at least in the region of theend facing the bushing, a recess whose internal diameter D is greaterthan the external diameter of the thread, the first transverse sub-rodcan be partially accommodated by the second transverse sub-rod if thethreads interlock to such a depth that the thread of the firsttransverse sub-rod extends as far as the second transverse sub-rod. Inthis way, the thread of the first transverse sub-rod can also be madeparticularly long and the length adjustment of the transverse rod canextend over a particularly large range.

In order to be able to use different covering units of very differentsizes, it can be provided that at least one transverse rod has at leastone extension sub-rod which can be coupled longitudinally to at leastone transverse sub-rod. With these removable extension parts, the lengthcan be greatly increased.

If the transverse rods are connected to the longitudinal rods at leastpartially via elastic gripping clamps, the connection of the transverserods to the longitudinal rods can be easily established. The connectionvia the gripping clamps allows on the one hand a displaceability of thetransverse rods along the longitudinal rods and on the other hand alsoan easy mounting and dismounting. For this purpose, the gripping clampis pressed against the longitudinal rod with force, as a result of whichthe clamp bends up elastically and thus encompasses the longitudinalrod. For this purpose, the gripping clamp preferably has a cylindricalpart which connects to the transverse rod and an at least partiallyelastic gripping part which can partially embrace the longitudinal rod.This also results in a rotatability about the longitudinal axis of thelongitudinal rod.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if a head rod and a foot rod connectat least two longitudinal rods to each other at their ends, and the headrod and the foot rod each comprise a connecting member for fastening thesolar protection or wind protection device to a suitable base such as asun lounger, wherein the connecting members are pivotable about an axisof rotation transverse to the longitudinal axis of the head rod or footrod. This allows the device to be ideally aligned depending on the sunor wind conditions, and to be readjusted at any time. Preferably, theconnecting members are also pivotable about a tilt axis, wherein thetilt axis is arranged substantially parallel to the head or foot rod,depending on which rod the connecting member is arranged on.Alternatively, the connecting member may also be connected to thesupport in such a way that pivotability about a tilt axis results, forexample via a clamp connection.

Connecting members preferably have toothed, interlocking rotating partswhich can be twisted against each other in a relaxed position andpressed against each other in a tensioned position and thus fixed toprevent undesired twisting but still allow good adjustability.

The head and foot rods can be designed like the transverse rods, but canalso be stronger and mechanically stronger, especially if they are tobend the longitudinal rods into defined shapes. The head and foot rodscan have tension adjusting devices like the transverse rods.

Preferably, side parts are also provided which comprise the longitudinalrods which are not connected to the other longitudinal rods viatransverse rods, but are preferably only movably connected to the otherrods at their ends in a very particularly preferable manner. Thus, aside part sloping in the direction of the ground can be formed bygravity pulling this longitudinal rod in the direction of the ground.

It can be provided that the longitudinal rods or the head or foot rodshave connection means for wheels, castors, skids or similar means oflocomotion. In this way, such means of transport can be attached to thedevice in order to better transport the sun or wind sail in theassembled state. In the simplest case, holes may be provided in thelongitudinal rods in the region of their ends through which connectingmembers such as screws or axles of the means of locomotion are passed.

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail withreference to non-limiting embodiments shown in the figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment according to the invention in a top viewwithout a covering unit;

FIG. 2 shows a section of a bushing together with parts of a first and asecond transverse sub-rod;

FIG. 3 a side view of an elastic gripping clamp;

FIG. 4 a side view of a connecting member in a first embodiment;

FIG. 5 a side view of a part of a connecting member in a secondembodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a solar protection or wind protectiondevice 1 without a covering unit. In this case, two longitudinal rods 2a, three transverse rods 6 and one head rod 15 and one foot rod 15 eachform a rod assembly which can tension a covering unit. In this case, thelongitudinal rods 2 a are assembled parallel to one another and arecomposed of longitudinal sub-rods 2 which are connected to one anotherlongitudinally via connecting bushings 9. The covering unit is connectedto the longitudinal rods 2 a and is stretched between them. Thetransverse rods 6, which are normal to the longitudinal rods 2 a andparallel to one another, each have two transverse sub-rods 61, whereintension adjusting devices 11 are arranged in the middle of thetransverse rods 6, which have bushings 10 connecting the transversesub-rods 61 to one another. The head and foot rods 15 do not comprisetension adjusting devices, but may equally comprise such in alternativeembodiments. The head and foot rods 15 are U-shaped in design andaccommodate the ends of the longitudinal rods 2 a. The transverse rods 6are connected to the longitudinal rods 2 a via gripping clamps 7. Inalternative embodiments, it may be provided that more than twotransverse sub-rods 61 are provided, wherein a plurality of tensionadjusting devices 11 is provided between them. By adjusting the tensionadjusting devices 11, the lengths of the transverse rods 6, and thus thedistance of the longitudinal rods 2 a from each other, and thus thetension of the in the transverse direction q can be adjusted. In theregion of the ends of the longitudinal rods, these have bores 16 which,in the assembled state, correspond to bores in the foot rod 15 and aredisposed over one another. Skids or wheels can be fitted over these tofacilitate transport.

In FIG. 2, the tension adjusting device 11 is shown in more detail. Thishas a hollow cylindrical bushing 10, which has a thread 12 inside. Thethread is arranged on a base 13, which has shoulders in the direction ofthe openings of the bushing 10, which can serve as a stop 14. The thread12 is arranged at approximately one third of the total length L of thebushing 10. A first transverse sub-rod 66 a comprises, at an end facingthe bushing 10, a thread 67 corresponding to the thread 12 of thebushing 10, which can be screwed thereto. Thus, when the bushing 10 isrotated by the user, the first transverse sub-rod 66 a slides into orout of the bushing 10. On the opposite side of the bushing 10, a secondtransverse sub-rod 66 b is arranged which is designed as a hollow tube.In this case, the inner diameter D of this resulting recess is largerthan the outer diameter d of the thread 67. The end of the secondtransverse sub-rod, when inserted into the bushing 10, rests against astop 14 of the thread 12. When the threads 67, 12 are fully rotated intoone another, an edge of the first transverse sub-rod 66 a similarlyabuts a stop 14.

FIG. 3 shows a gripping clamp 20 which can establish a connectionbetween a transverse rod 6 and a longitudinal rod 2 a. For this purpose,the transverse rod 6 can be inserted into the recess of the cylindricalpart 21. To connect with the longitudinal rod 2 a, the elastic grippingpart 22 of the gripping clamp 20, which has the shape of a part of ahollow cylinder, is pressed against the longitudinal rod 2 a. Thegripping part thereby deforms elastically and grips around thelongitudinal rod 2 a. This provides a stable connection, but one thatcan be released if required, and also allows rotation about an axis xcorresponding to the longitudinal axis of the gripping part and thelongitudinal rod 2 a.

FIG. 4 shows a connecting member 30 which has a first connecting part inthe form of a draw clamp 32 for gripping the foot or head rod 15 and asecond connecting part in the form of a gripper 31 for connection to asun lounger, a railing, a carabiner driven into the ground or othersupport for attaching the device. The gripper 31 and the draw clamp 32are connected via a screw shaft 33, wherein a rotary part designed as atoothed plate 34 with teeth or alternatively other fixing means isfirmly connected to each of the gripper 31 and the draw clamp 32. In theposition shown, the draw clamp 32 and gripper 31 are rotatable orpivotable relative to one another about the screw axis 33—which definesthe axis of rotation y—and thus transversely to the longitudinal axis ofthe foot rod 15 or head rod 15. If the screw axis 33 is screwed into acorresponding thread in the gripper 31 via a handle 35, then on the onehand this closes the draw clamp 32 and thus brings it into engagementwith a foot rod 15 or head rod 15 arranged therein, which is not shown.Furthermore, the toothed plates 34 are pressed together, the teeth arebrought into engagement and the rotational position of gripper 31 todraw clamp 32 is fixed. Thus, the rotational position can be freelyselected in the open state, but fixed in the closed state, thuspreventing unintentional adjustment. In this respect, the draw clamp 32and/or the gripper 31 may allow rotation about a further axis, eitherabout the longitudinal axis of the head or foot rod 15 or about theelement encompassing the gripper 31.

FIG. 5 shows a part of an alternative embodiment of a first connectingpart of the connecting member 30, this part representing one half of adraw clamp 32 which has around it a semi-cylindrical recess 36 foraccommodating and fixing the head or foot rod 15 together with acorresponding counterpart, preferably substantially shaped like thispart. Preferably, it also comprises another similarly shaped recess of adifferent diameter so as to be usable for head or foot rods 15 of otherdimensions. A bore 37 passes through the part, through which an axle canbe passed which can connect the described counterpart and a secondconnecting part to the part. In this regard, a circular toothed plate 34is arranged around the bore, which can be engaged with a correspondingtoothed plate of the second connecting part. The part has asemi-circular shape, which makes it easy for a user to grasp and therebyeasily adjust the angle.

Such an embodiment with interlocking toothed plates allows for goodadjustability. Alternatively, an embodiment may also provide an axlerotatably connecting a first connecting part of the connecting member 30connectable to the head or foot rod 15 to a second connecting part ofthe connecting member 30 for connection to the suitable base. In thiscase, a locking body such as a ball is pressed onto the axle via aspring member, thereby preventing unwanted rotation due to wind or otherexternal forces. Only when sufficient force is applied, such as by thehand of the user, is the spring force overcome and the device can bepivoted. In this regard, the axle may have surface modifications such asindentations or projections at least in the region of the locking bodyin order to improve the connection to the locking body. Preferably, theforce of the spring can be adjusted by an adjusting screw. This allows auser to initially determine how much force is required to pivot thedevice by adjusting the set screw.

1. Solar protection or wind protection device comprising: a plurality oflongitudinal rods including longitudinally coupled longitudinalsub-rods; a plurality of transverse rods including longitudinallycoupled transverse sub-rods; and at least one covering unit stretchedbetween the longitudinal rods; wherein the transverse rods at leastpartially connect the plurality of longitudinal rods to one another;wherein at least one transverse rod of the plurality of transverse rodsincludes at least one tension adjusting device configured and arrangedfor adjusting the tension of the at least one covering unit in thetransverse direction (q), characterized in that the at least one tensionadjusting device is arranged between two transverse sub-rods of theplurality of transverse rods.
 2. The solar protection or wind protectiondevice of claim 1, wherein the at least one tension adjusting device isarranged approximately halfway along a length of the transverse rod. 3.The solar protection or wind protection device of claim 1, wherein thetension adjusting device includes a bushing which couples the twotransverse sub-rods to one another longitudinally, and the bushing hasat least one thread for connection to a corresponding thread of a firsttransverse sub-rod of the two transverse sub-rods.
 4. The solarprotection or wind protection device of claim 3, wherein thecorresponding thread of the first transverse sub-rod is arranged in theregion of the end of the first transverse sub-rod facing the bushing,and a second transverse sub-rod of the two transverse sub-rods has nothread at an end facing the bushing.
 5. The solar protection or windprotection device of claim 3, wherein the at least one thread of thebushing includes a stop, and wherein a second transverse sub-rod of thetwo transverse sub-rods is configured and arranged to rest against thestop in an assembled state.
 6. The solar protection or wind protectiondevice of claim 3, wherein the at least one thread of the bushing isarranged in the region of about one third of a longitudinal extension ofthe bushing.
 7. The solar protection or wind protection device of claim4, wherein the corresponding thread of the first transverse sub-rod hasan outer diameter (d), and the second transverse sub-rod has, at leastin the region of the end facing the bushing, a recess whose innerdiameter (D) is greater than the outer diameter (d) of the correspondingthread.
 8. The solar protection or wind protection device of claim 1,wherein the at least one of the plurality of transverse rods includes atleast one extension sub-rod configured and arranged to be coupledlongitudinally to the at least one transverse sub-rod.
 9. The solarprotection or wind protection device of claim 1, wherein the at leastone of the plurality of transverse rods are connected to the pluralityof longitudinal rods at least partially via elastic gripping clamps. 10.The solar protection or wind protection device of claim 1, furtherincluding a head rod including at least one connecting member; a footrod including at least one connecting member; at least two longitudinalrods of the plurality of longitudinal rods; and wherein the head rod andthe foot rod interconnect the at least two longitudinal rods at theirends, and the at least one connecting members are configured andarranged for fastening the solar protection or wind protection device toa suitable base such as a sun lounger, wherein the connecting membersare configured and arranged to pivot about an axis of rotationtransverse to a longitudinal axis of the head or foot rod.
 11. The solarprotection or wind protection device of claim 2, wherein the tensionadjusting device includes a bushing which couples the two transversesub-rods to one another longitudinally, and the bushing has at least onethread for connection to a corresponding thread of a first transversesub-rod of the two transverse sub-rods.
 12. The solar protection or windprotection device of claim 4, wherein the at least one thread of thebushing includes a stop, and wherein a second transverse sub-rod of thetwo transverse sub-rods is configured and arranged to rest against thestop in an assembled state.
 13. The solar protection or wind protectiondevice of claim 5, wherein the at least one thread of the bushing isarranged in the region of about one third of a longitudinal extension ofthe bushing.
 14. The solar protection or wind protection device of claim6, wherein the corresponding thread of the first transverse sub-rod hasan outer diameter (d), and the second transverse sub-rod has, at leastin the region of the end facing the bushing, a recess whose innerdiameter (D) is greater than the outer diameter (d) of the correspondingthread.
 15. The solar protection or wind protection device of claim 7,wherein the at least one of the plurality of transverse rods includes atleast one extension sub-rod configured and arranged to be coupledlongitudinally to the at least one transverse sub-rod.
 16. The solarprotection or wind protection device of claim 8, wherein the at leastone of the plurality of transverse rods are connected to the pluralityof longitudinal rods at least partially via elastic gripping clamps. 17.The solar protection or wind protection device of claim 9, furtherincluding a head rod including at least one connecting member; a footrod including at least one connecting member; at least two longitudinalrods of the plurality of longitudinal rods; and wherein the head rod andthe foot rod interconnect the at least two longitudinal rods at theirends, and the at least one connecting members are configured andarranged for fastening the solar protection or wind protection device toa suitable base such as a sun lounger, wherein the connecting membersare configured and arranged to pivot about an axis of rotationtransverse to a longitudinal axis of the head or foot rod.